The Specialty Practice Recognition (SPR) 2013 standard will be published next March, but first, NCQA will consider all public comments on the proposal, and conduct pilot testing of the standard at 14 or 15 specialty physician practices, according to Johann Chanin, NCQA director of product development.

I wrote about NCQA's patient-centered medical home two weeks ago, and hosted a HealthLeaders Media webcast last month about the concept. This model brings much-needed comprehensive primary care, powered by technology, to patients dissatisfied with previously uncoordinated care between the many providers that patients often see in the course of a few months.

The patient-centered medical home is at the heart of the new standards and guidelines for Medicare Accountable Care Organization (ACO) accreditation. The program provides a road map for provider-led organizations to demonstrate reduced cost, improved quality, and enhanced patient experience. The expectation is that specialty practices within an ACO must be held to the same patient-centered care provided by primary care practices.